I can't resist jumping in because we had an exceptionally long narrow hallway without windows in our very first home, a Spanish-bungalow duplex. Our paultry decorating fund went into the rooms opening off the dark shadowy hall, which were very sunny and bright. All frames and walls were already an off white and the wall-to-wall a rich deep moss green the salesman told our landlady was that yucky olive that was so popular. The light was an iron fixture almost certainly original to the bungalow. That's it--dark, cool, calm, quiet. Sounds boring, but it was beautifully simple in spite of my intentions and a perfect transition from and to the rooms opening off. Everything looked better because of it. That hall had such a wonderful character of its own that I even sat down in it a couple times to enjoy its calm. So, one color for walls/frames/doors, lovely rugs, fine architectural light fixtures (the ones you have?), and...nothing else? BTW, where our hall jogged at the end, and continued another 5 feet out of sight, I decorated that little hall segment as if it were its own destination--bookcase, painting above, lamp--creating a suite out of it and the only bath and our bedroom that opened off it. That worked very well also and made it seem important enough to walk all that way.

Are you wanting just a TV console, or a large entertainment unit? This area could definitely take a big unit ... with the high ceilings, lots of windows, strong fireplace, etc. What is your style? You said you’re buying this house, so I’m assuming this isn’t your furniture? Some various styles of units, just to give an idea: A couple of consoles. I have no idea your preferred styles, colors, etc, so just throwing some ideas out here. :)

Any reason in particular why you are keeping the tv over the fireplace? That must be over 8' high. That's some serious neck strain. I would probably recommend a similar layout to the previous owner. It has lots of seating, divides the entry from the living area. The window looks fine with current shutters. If you do not have furniture, start with the rug first. Find one large enough for the room. Use the colors in the rug to guide you for picking out furniture. Artwork and other wall decor can come later once you have the basics. You could always put the tv on a stand to the left of the fireplace. Have fun.

Thank you all for your suggestions. Like a few of you, I was also thinking that the shelves were nice as is with nothing on them, but I was worried I had just gotten used to seeing them empty. I do agree there is room for a nice display at the bottom area. The center area is for a TV. The bottom area are cabinets, there is acid washed glass in them. I was a little disappointed that they seem so bright, but at this stage of the build, I will see how I feel after the furniture is in.